Stander Symposium Projects

Follow

• 

  Using a Drosophila Glioma Model to Study Signaling Pathways

  Jibriel Saqibuddin

  Drosophila melanogaster is an ideal genetic model for studying early changes in tumor cells for diseases such as Glioblastoma (GBM) for which there are no current treatment options. A large percent of GBM patients show excess EGFR signaling due to amplification of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-VIII (EGFR-VIII), and activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. Using mutations to activate the PI3K and EGFR receptors in Drosophila, we have modeled GBM in the fly brain using the GAL4-UAS system.My project involves genetic crosses that will produce larvae with GBM, the dissections of the larval brains, and performing immunohistochemistry to study changes in signaling pathways that promote GBM growth. To do so, I will be studying the early time points to decipher the roles of signaling pathways like MAPK, Hippo and WNT in promoting GBM growth and/or inhibiting cell death. A comparison between our GBM models and experimental controls will provide the initial data for designing further genetic experiments to narrow down specific signaling interactions that affect cell death and proliferation.

• 

  Using a New Conditional Knock-out Mouse Model to Investigate Novel Calcium Signaling Pathways in the Brain

  Aikaterini Britzolaki, Ben Klocke

  Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects over 8% of individuals in the US, according to the NIH. In addition to impaired attention and locomotor hyperactivity, symptoms often include enhanced impulsivity and memory deficits. The etiology of ADHD is elusive, but one proposed mechanism behind this and many other brain disorders is the dysregulation of intracellular calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis. Ca2+ is a critical second messenger for a constellation of cellular processes, including cell proliferation and death, metabolism, and gene expression. Naturally, neuronal Ca2+ signaling is vital in processes such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and synaptic transmission, among others. Interestingly, our lab has identified a new calcium-handling regulator to be expressed in the mouse brain, and that global genetic ablation of this gene in mice results in the manifestation of an ADHD-like behavioral phenotype. Our lab has recently generated a novel conditional knockout (cKO) mouse model of this gene, that also exhibits locomotor hyperactivity, a cardinal ADHD-like behavior. Further, we have employed the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT), a state-of-the-art behavioral paradigm to assess attentional capacity and impulsivity, two other core symptoms of ADHD. Interestingly, preliminary data from our lab show that the cKO mice exhibit impaired attention in this paradigm. Altogether, these findings strongly support a novel role for this gene in the manifestation of ADHD-like behaviors.

• 

  Using in silico and in vivo approaches to reveal the gene regulatory network responsible for the development and evolution of a fruit fly trait

  Matthew Dennis Spangler, Michael Weinstein

  Animal traits develop through the expressions and actions of numerous genes that comprise a gene regulatory network (GRN). For each GRN, its underlying patterns of expression are controlled by combinations of transcription factor proteins interacting with binding site sequences within cis-regulatory elements (CREs). These interactions drive cell-type and developmental stage-specific transcriptional activation or repression. Function altering mutations in CREs are suspected to be a common source of phenotypic variation within a species, and for the origin, modifications, and losses of traits that differentiate species. Unfortunately, for any trait and its generative GRN, finding CREs remains a slow and resource intensive endeavor. In this study, we sought to better understand the GRN responsible for the male-specific (dimorphic) pattern of abdomen pigmentation of Drosophila (D.) melanogaster fruit flies. This pigmentation trait is a leading model for evolution and development (evo-devo) as variation exists within this species, and between related species. We used an in silico approach to identify predicted CREs (pCREs) that control novel genes within this GRN. Through in vivo assays we demonstrated that many pCREs activate expression in the fruit fly abdomen at the correct developmental stage. Through CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we aim to demonstratewhether some of these pCREs are necessary for the D. melanogaster trait, and which gene’s expression they regulate. By reporter transgene assays, we will compare the CRE activity of related sequences from fruit fly species with the derived (dimorphic) and ancestral (monomorphic) pigmentation. This will reveal whether the CRE activities are old and conserved, or modern and perhaps represent some of the GRN modifications responsible for the dimorphic trait. Ultimately, this work will expand the understanding of a leading evo-devo model trait, and perhaps demonstrate an experimental framework by which animal trait evolution can be routinely studied.

• 

  Using Phenomenology to Explore Trauma Identification within a Midwestern Juvenile Diversion Program

  Olivia A. Hervey, Alexia Catherine Montino

  Trauma among juveniles is a prevalent issue within the juvenile justice system. Juvenile diversion programs may play a role in addressing this trauma. However, juvenile diversion programs use different therapeutic approaches raising questions as to how they might identify trauma. The current study aimed to understand how professionals within a Midwestern juvenile diversion program believe they identify trauma amongst their clients. Using a phenomenological approach, four semi-structured interviews using purposive non-probability sampling were conducted. The analyses included transcribing the interviews verbatim, memoing, initial coding, categories, and thematic analyses. An inter-rater reliability check is performed through a comparison of categories between interviews and the two interviewers. Preliminary results indicate that staff within the diversion program relies heavily on assessment tools to assist with the trauma identification but have not established an internal check within the program. A discussion of these results, implications, limitations and future directions will be discussed.

• 

  Vartek School Technical Coach Tracker

  Jenna N. Patino, William Shattuck, Joncarlo Soto, Brendan J. Steffen

  The overall objective of this project is to document, collect, and analyze data of a teacher’s progress toward set goals from their coaches. A subset of that goal is to develop a technology integration plan that combines instructional and technology goals. When talking about how Vartek would like to go forward to complete these goals, we thought of challenges that might come to surface. Misty said that Vartek’s preference to complete this project is to not have a budget, however she is open to a possible budget if money is needed to supply the best solution. Another challenge will be migrating all of the data into one platform because 4 teams of coaches are tracking the teachers in different forms. Coaches have set subjective goals for their teachers which are customized to fulfill the teacher’s needs and this creates an issue because there is no standardization across a big data set. Finally, Misty said that they are open to having a cloud data server to hold all of their information and tracking but has concerns over information security and who will be able to access the notes.

• 

  Virtual Reality Technology Enhances Use of Facial and Body Cues to Detect Deception

  Connor Brooks Hagan, Nicholas James Patritti, Ian Rasaan Robinson

  This study examined whether Virtual Reality technology would have an impact on deception detection when using direct or indirect questions about honesty. Our goal was to identify if someone who feels like they are with a person in a virtual reality world can better perceive facial and body language cues that, when paired with indirect questions, will enhance deception detection. Research has shown that participants are more aware of their surroundings and recognize slight changes more readily in virtual reality. Additionally, much research (e.g., Hippel, 2015; ten Brinke, 2014; Manstead 1984) indicate that indirect questions (focused on a person's jobs, character, and what actions they would take in a given scenario) are more useful than direct questions (e.g., targeted specifically to the honesty of a person) in determining deception. Analyses of data in the present study identified a reliable enhancement effect of virtual reality on body language cues (e.g., facial emotions, fidgeting, posture) as compared with verbal language cues in indicating honesty and deception.

• 

  What Do Students at a PWI Know about Redlining?

  Gabrielle Nicole Bryson

  Redlining, the process of denying government backed housing loans from the 1930s until the 1970s, is still reflected in our society today. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether undergraduate students at a predominantly white institution were aware of the topic of redlining based on characteristics such as gender, race, and school year. The aim of this study was to collect the data from the UnDesign the Redline exhibit here at the University of Dayton and through secondary data I was able to find a conclusion to my research question.

• 

  Why Should Art Education Be Funded?

  Jacqueline Ann Patton

  The arts and art education are underfunded and undervalued in schools. Throughout all age groups, the sciences and math courses are often pushed as more important and more useful to the students than their art electives. This project highlights the benefits of valuing art in schools and provides insight as to why art should receive more funding, such as creating a well-rounded education where students can apply the arts to all fields of study.

• 

  Women's Experience in Law Enforcement

  Julia Grace Jenkner

  The issue of women having a different experience than men in law enforcement agencies deserves to be carefully looked at by others because it is a matter of equality. The purpose of this capstone assignment is to find out if women in law enforcement are held to a different standard than men in law enforcement. The goal is to see if there is a disparity and if so, see if there are similarities or differences between different women in different departments or ranks within a department. The study would accomplish the purpose of this research by gathering information from different women in law enforcement to see if there are similarities in their experiences in law enforcement. My study would accomplish this by gathering information (interviews), asking open-ended questions of participants, analyzing data (put into categories and themes), and looking for patterns in the data.

• 

  W.S. McIntosh: His Legacy at the University of Dayton

  Kevin Formato Brian O’Neill George Icart Mark Mahoney and Kieran Kilbride

  William Sumpter McIntosh was a veteran of the U.S. Navy before residing in Dayton for 33 years. He served as the local director of the Congress of Racial Equality and acted as an advisor to the Dayton chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. More than 600 people gathered for a public viewing to honor their civil rights leader, and the State Rep. C.J. McLin told the crowd, “He carried a torch. When Mac died, the torch never touched the ground. It is out there for all of us to grab.” That was what he was able to leave behind in his memory. The University of Dayton offers the W.S. McIntosh Memorial Leadership Award to incoming African American freshmen who reside in Montgomery County.

• 

  Yorkie dependent transcriptional network promotes tumor growth.

  Arushi Rai

  Studies in Drosophila and other tumor models have revealed cancer promoting signaling interactions and transcriptional addictions in tumors cells. The Hippo pathway effector, Yorkie (Yki) is a key mediator of such interactions and presents an attractive opportunity to study transcriptional dependencies in cancer cells. The RasV12 scrib-/- tumor mosaic model is well-established and shows activation of oncogenic Ras in the background of impaired apical-basal polarity. This model is widely used study molecular mechanisms and signaling events downstream of the oncogenic Ras and Ras-mediated Yorkie (Yki) activation in RasV12, scrib-/- tumor cells. Previously, we have shown that in RasV12, scrib-/- cells Wingless (Wg), Caspases (e.g., the initiator caspase Dronc) and JNK are activated to promote tumorigenesis through their non-apoptotic roles. Amongst these, Wg/Wnt pathway is known to act via canonical and non-canonical pathways during development and cancer, and interact with Yki to promote cancer growth. Genetic epistasis showed that Wg acts upstream of Caspases, JNK and Yki, and downregulation of Wg reduced tumor growth by downregulation of Caspases, JNK and Yki reporters. Our goal is to further understand how the two evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways i.e., Hippo and Wingless crosstalk and interact with each other to regulate tumor growth. To understand this intricate wiring of Wingless-Yorkie during tumor growth and invasion, we will use the RasV12, scrib-/- tumor model in Drosophila imaginal discs. Preliminary data showed that wg transcriptional reporters are upregulated in RasV12, scrib-/- cells, suggesting that increased accumulation of Wg may be due to increased transcription. In other contexts, wg is shown as a transcriptional target of Yki. Therefore, we will test for (a) the effects of Yorkie protein, the main effector molecule of Hippo pathway, on wg transcription and expression of other Wg pathway components by reporter assays, and qRT-PCR- based approaches, and (b) feedback interactions that promote tumorigenesis using genetic epistasis-, and immunohistochemistry-based approaches. Here, we present our progress on the organization of the molecular network involving Wingless and Yorkie.

• 

  ZFP36 Ring Finger Protein Like 1 (ZFP36L1) knockdown significantly reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced proinflammatory cytokine expression

  Tooba Shafeeque Ahmed Momin, Andrew Villasenor

  CCCH-Type Zinc finger proteins(CCCH-ZFP) are small protein domains that are structurally maintained by zinc ions. Zinc ions coordinate the protein structure in a tetrahedral geometry by biding cysteines or cysteines and histidine amino acids. The unique structure of CCCH-ZFP enables it to interact with a wide variety of molecules such as DNA, RNA, or cellular proteins and thus modulate several cellular processes including host immune response and virus replication. For the current study, we screened 68 CCCH type zinc finger proteins using a literature search for their antiviral as well as immunomodulatory properties along with their expression in human cells and their potential to interact with SARS-CoV-2 RNA using RNA-Protein Interaction Prediction (RPISeq) software. Using this strategy, we selected ZFP36 Ring Finger Protein Like 1 (ZFP36L1) which scored a higher point to interact with SARS-CoV-2 RNA and modulate host immune response as compared to other CCCH type zinc finger proteins. Before measuring the effect of ZFP36L1 expression on SARS-CoV-2 replication, we aimed to determine the effect of ZFP36L1 expression on host innate immune response. We overexpressed or knockdown ZFP36L1 in HEK 293T cells as well as in Raw 264.7 macrophage. Our preliminary results showed that knocking down ZFP36L1 significantly reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mediated tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF alpha) expression (p<0.05). However, we still need to measure the effect of ZFP36L1 overexpression or knockdown on LPS induced TNF alpha at earlier timepoints.

• 

  3D face construction from front and profile 2D image

  Sankarshan Dasgupta

  In this fast-track and uncertain world, the difference we can make with 3D view experience of someone is noteworthy and our intention is to draw them closer to the reality. Though people are attracted to the novelty, 3D is more traditional because it can more accurately reflects our everyday experience of interacting with the world. Our vision is to create a 3D view with lesser manual labor and have high standards of detailing in the output. 3D view consist of two principal components i.e. mesh and texture. The manual labor for the creation of each of them is cumbersome and time-consuming. Hence , we propose an automated and efficient technique to create the mesh and texture of the person from the input images which can be viewed in blender as a 3D model. Both of the components can be extracted from the a deep learning neural network which will train to analyze the given dataset and learn to predict a new texture and mesh combination for the desired output. Dataset contains of all the images from google with front and profile view. These images are annotated, mesh is generated manually with the help of blender software. Now, for the implementation part, the texture representation is generated with OpenCV library in python for Haar Cascades classifiers. The classification enables to get the exact face and eye boundary from the image. The mesh is detected with similarity detection from existing dataset and the most similar detection gives the mesh model. This process makes it faster to integrate and efficient for all types of devices.

• 

  A 3 Factor Portfolio Weighting Model for Select Stocks in the Consumer Discretionary Sector: An Empirical Analysis from 2009-2019

  Emily Keller, Daniel Collins Montgomery

  In this study we developed a 3 factor Portfolio weighting model for a concentrated portfolio of consumer discretionary stocks. The principal factors are sales growth(SG), gross operating profit (GOP), and short term(one-year) price momentum. The Period of analysis was 2009-2019. The factor weights for sales growth and gross operating profits are the slope coefficients from time trend univariate regressions with SG and GOP the Y-variables(in Logs) and time as the x-variable. The original shares held in each stock is adjusted yearly based on the short term price momentum in each stock. We test the hypothesis that the 3 factor weighting model generates excess returns over the S&P 500 broad market index for the period 2009-2019. Two factor weighting models are evaluated: (1) constant shares model, (2) adjusted shares model.

• 

  A Bee-Hive, A Yoga Studio, and A Clinic: Acknowledging the Uniqueness of Our Writing Center Spaces

  Jennifer Ryan

  This research project examines the physical spaces of four writing centers in an attempt to understand what writing center spaces actually look like outside of what dominant writing center scholarship has told us about these spaces. This project also uncovers some material items that writing centers need within their spaces to best serve the needs of all writers. From there, this study proposes recommendations to the writing center community about what items are currently in these spaces, what we need to successfully operate for the benefit of all writers, and what design options we should consider when thinking about the writing center, especially in situations where (re)design is possible. Lastly, this study calls for further examination into writing center spaces including how other writing centers utilize their physical spaces to help answer the question of what design and material resources we truly need to serve the needs of all writers using a writing center's services.

• 

  Accounting for Community's Charity Pitch Competition

  Collin Bergin, Benjamin Michael Colwell, Kyle J. Crail, Kayleigh Ann Duke, Betsey Bernice Fisher, Joseph Guay, Matthew Albert Harsar, Matthew Hess, Allison Nicole Iklodi, Morgan Elizabeth Jewett, Lindsey Lawrence, Anna Grace Madison, Andrew Rothstein

  Join Master of Professional Accountancy students in ACC 703 - Accounting for Community as they use their hearts and minds to pitch a not-for-profit organization to potential donors. This course project requires students to identify an existing not-for-profit organization that they believe has a persuasive mission and to analyze the organization and its programs to explain why donors should financially support the organization. At least $1,000 is on the line. Winning organizations will be announced after Stander. Each pitch and corresponding audience questions will be approximately 12 minutes. Four pitch presentations will occur each hour, with a brief break prior to 2:00 and 3:00. You are welcome to join any time!

• 

  Acknowledging the Past and the Present: Reckoning with Racism in Predominantly White Fraternities and Sororities

  Jess Seabolt

  Predominantly White fraternities and sororities enjoy the past and present spoils of leadership, community, and scholarship while also holding onto past and present histories of racism and exclusion. As these organizations compile and explore such instances of racism, attention can be paid to their current constituents and their understanding and meaning-making of histories and contemporary instances of racism. This project seeks to address the following questions: (1) To what extent do current members of predominantly White fraternities and sororities’ understand racist pasts and presents, and how does that affect the meaning of their involvement? (2) How would they integrate such information into member education? I used qualitative research interviews with current members of predominantly White fraternities and sororities at various institutions. The results articulate meaning-making of the participating members and allow members to think critically about racism with regards to the fraternity/sorority community. This study has implications for better involving general membership in difficult conversations and acknowledging these organizations’ pasts to inform future work.

• 

  A Closer Look at Living Wage in Dayton

  Brock J. Begesha, Elizabeth Anne Brahler, Nathan Paul Campbell

  A podcast that discusses and takes a closer look at how living under the poverty line in Dayton can become possible and how this trend can be reversed.

• 

  A Different World: National Climate and its Effects on Black Students Attending Predominantly White Institutions (PWI)

  Veronica Halfacre

  Many studies have examined the experiences of Black students at Predominantly White Institutions (PWI). However, few explore the impact of the national political and racial climate on the experiences of Black students at PWIs. This research study addresses the following questions: (1) How does the national climate affect the campus climate for Black students at a PWI? (2) How do Black students’ perceptions of police brutality shape their perceptions of campus climate? (3) How are Black students using engagement as a response to campus climate? In this phenomenological study, the researcher conducted interviews with Black undergraduate students from a private Midwest university. Results show that the cocurricular experiences of Black students and their perceptions of police are shaped by national events. This study has implications for the improvement of support and resources for Black students at Predominantly White Institutions.

• 

  Advantages and Disadvantages in Charter Schools

  Emily C. Hineline

  There are many advantages and disadvantages to charter schools, and I will touch on a few of the main ones brought up today. The advantages and disadvantages present in education today include: what are charter schools, how they are funded, how they are different from the public, and what the benefits are of working in one? Throughout this presentation the key takeaways will be if charter schools are affecting other schools, are they hurting education as a whole and what exactly are they?

• 

  Agistix

  Matthew Brian Best, Taylor E. Genier, Ashley Alma Sheetz, Richard Anthony Warfield

  MIS- Traffic & Weather Mapping

• 

  A History of the LGBTQ+ Community in the United Methodist Church: How One of America's Largest Protestant Denominations Became So Divided

  Logan M. Symons

  This project, completed as a part of the senior history capstone course, explores the history of LGBTQ+ relations, policies, and people in the United Methodist Church. The UMC has long been divided on this issue, leading to a proposed split of the church into two separate denominations in 2020 that will be voted on later this year. This presentation explores the complex historical origins of this debate by examining both official UMC church policy and instances of individuals and groups that have acted against it and worked to change it. The aim in exploring this history is to better understand the conflict occurring in the church today.

• 

  AI vs. AI: Evaluation of CAPTCHA attack

  Sai Bhargava Nidumolu

  CAPTCHA stands for (Completely Automated Public Turing test) to distinguish Computers and Humans. The purpose of CAPTCHA is to verify whether the user trying to access the page/site is actually a human or just a bot. It is used to protect open web resources from being exploited. Although, hackers find a way to crack the CAPTCHA puzzles using different approaches. In this paper, we are going to evaluate different neural network architectures to crack image-based CAPTCHAs. Also, we would perform gap analysis on each model and compare them against one another .

• 

  A Kurtosis Based Portfolio Factor Weighting Model for 5 Glamour Stocks: An Empirical Analysis 2009-2019

  Graham Thomas Trueman, Camille Rhiann Lubic

  Glamour stocks like MasterCard, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google have enjoyed tremendous returns over the last several years as investors can't seem to buy enough of their shares. In this study we examine the relative performance of each stock when it is portfolio weighted by the fourth moment of its return distribution around its mean i.e., kurtosis (k). Beginning in 2009, we calculate the 12 month K for each of the 5 glamour stocks and assign a weight (the higher the k the higher the weight) that determines the shares invested in each stock (The overall initial investment is $1,000,000). The original shares are adjusted each year based on the yearly changes in the k values. The 5 stock portfolio returns are compared to the S&P 500 index as well as an equal weighted portfolio of the 5 stocks. The hypothesis that we test are; (1. The cumulative returns of the k weighted 5 stock portfolio outperform SPY cumulative returns and 2. The cumulative return of the k weighted 5 stock portfolio outperform the equally weighted 5 stock portfolio. 3. Returns to each of the 5 stocks are directly related to k i.e. the higher the k, the higher the returns on both an annual and cumulative basis.

• 

  A Look at Juvenile Adjudications in Ohio: How Differences in Spending Affects Adjudication Rates in Ohio Counties

  Sebastian K. Duban, Liam Patrick Hayes

  This project looked to find an answer to the following juvenile services question, How has the differences in county expenditures into juvenile services affected the adjudication rates of the juveniles?. Research for this paper was done by collecting data on adjudication rates of juveniles in Ohio counties over the past 10 years through the state of Ohio juvenile justice databases, such as The Department of Youth Services as well as The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The cost of county juvenile services were obtained from The Department of Youth Services and then transferred into real money depending on the year it was drawn from, going back to 2010. This project is necessary because of the amounts of money being spent by the state and counties. Millions of dollars could be wasted each year since adjudication rates could go up and money spent could be going up at a relevant rate. This project seeks to identify which counties in Ohio are failing to spend their money in an effective way, and which counties in Ohio are helping prevent adjudications of juveniles with their budget.